Plan Update News
Economic Development was identified as one of the topics to be addressed by the Landscapes2 Steering Committee. The Landscapes2 website has been updated to highlight the next topic in the Plan, Economic Development. An Economic Development Plan presentation was given to the Landscapes2 Steering Committee on April 16th that summarized the issues facing Chester County.
Economic Development Related References
Chester County Economic Development Council is a private, non-profit economic development organization that has been nurturing economic growth in Chester County and the surrounding region for more than 40 years.
Pennsylvania Workforce Development is a web-based guide to resources available to assist those who work or do business in Pennsylvania.
Delaware Valley Industrial Resource Center is an economic development organization dedicated to helping manufacturers in the Philadelphia Region compete and grow.
Ben Franklin Technology Partners is a statewide network that fosters innovation to stimulate Pennsylvania's economic growth and prosperity.
Communities that exercise good stewardship and careful planning have reaped the benefits of increased tourism and sustainable economic development. Governor Edward G. Rendell announced that Pennsylvania will invest nearly $100,000 to help improve historical ambiance and support neighborhood preservation efforts.
Planning Related News and References
DEP recognizes the Honey Brook Borough’s Wellhead Protection Plan, the first authority to have an approved wellhead protection plan in Chester County.
2008 Governor's Award for Environmental Excellence — Organizations are being honored for their innovative projects that demonstrate their environmental stewardship while promoting economic development in Pennsylvania. From advances in clean energy to community revitalization, each of this year's winners is making invaluable contributions to improving the health of Pennsylvania's natural resources.
The Housing + Transportation Affordability Index, developed by the Center for Neighborhood Technology (CNT) and its collaborative partners, the Center for Transit Oriented Development (CTOD), is an innovative tool that measures the true affordability of housing. Planners, lenders, and most consumers traditionally measure housing affordability as 30 percent or less of income. The Housing + Transportation Affordability Index, in contrast, takes into account not just the cost of housing, but also the intrinsic value of place, as quantified through transportation costs.
Environmental Excellence — Recycling coordinators from Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties were on hand as McGinty recognized the Southeastern Pennsylvania Regional Household Hazardous Waste Program.
Homes for Working Families released Understanding Employer-Assisted Housing: A Guidebook for Employers in February 2008. The guidebook provides a straightforward examination of employer-assisted housing options and gives employers practical guidance on how EAH programs work.
Upcoming Events
Subdivision and Land Development Review. The Pennsylvania Municipal Planning Education Institute (PMPEI), designed this course for municipal officials, planning commissioners, code officers and interested citizens. Thursday evenings May 1, 8 and 15, 2008 at two locations:
- WCU Graduate Business Center, West Chester, sponsored by Chester County 2020, Chester County Planning Commission and WCU School of Business & Public Affairs and Department of Geography & Planning, and
- Delaware County Community College, Media, sponsored by the Delaware County Planning Department and Delaware County Community College.
Pennsylvania Economic Development Association — Spring Conference: Building a Legislative Agenda for Economic Development May 20-22, 2008, Hilton Harrisburg, Harrisburg, PA.
Pennsylvania Partners 24th Annual Employment, Training & Education Conference — A statewide workforce development conference that will feature more than 50 workshops and roundtable discussions and speakers from local, state and federal agencies and the private sector. May 7-9, 2008, Hershey, Pennsylvania
Workforce Innovations — The premier annual conference promoting collaboration among leaders from workforce development, business, economic development, education, community-based organizations, and philanthropy. July 15-17 2008, New Orleans, LA.
PA Environmental Council Gala Event to Honor Recipients of the 2008 Governor’s Awards for Environmental Excellence on Earth Day April 22, Harrisburg, PA.
PA GIS Conference 2008 — Sustaining and Leveraging our Geospatial Investment May 14-15, 2008 Camp Hill, PA.
Terminology Corner
Perspectives on terms used in Landscapes2 discussions. These links are included to serve as a reference to help Landscapes2 Project participants understand the meaning, scope and application of terms.
Economic Development